ARLO PARKS

Born and raised in South West London, up-and-coming singer/songwriter/poet Arlo Parks is changing the way we look at music, poetry and everything in between. Her signature style of confessional literature, observational poetry and raw, relatable songwriting is coming to Camden.

Live from the Boot Room, we’re hosting an exhibition of her poetry, lyrics and tour photos. We're kicking off the week long exhibition with a launch party, where Arlo will be giving a stripped back, intimate performance.

5 MINUTES WITH ARLO PARKS

What's your pre-gig ritual?

The band and I rage to ‘Never Fight a Man with a Perm” by Idles at full blast and I stomp around.

What influences your work? Do you find inspiration in any unexpected places?

I’m inspired by poetry, fine art and film. I’ve been inspired by colour palettes in editorial magazines before which is a little strange.

What do you want to achieve over the course of your career? Biggest ambitions?

I want to have collaborated with one of my idols maybe Solange, Dev Hynes or Thundercat. I also want to have published a book of poetry.

Tell us about your favourite pair of Docs. What would your dream pair of Docs look like?

My favourites are the black 1460 Smooth Docs - nice and classic. My dream pair of Docs would be decorated with some of Basquiat’s work or some of Gwendolyn Brooks’ poetry scribbled all over them.

Best gig you've ever been to? Or the one you wish you'd been at?

My favourite gig ever was Loyle Carner at Shepherd’s Bush at the O2 Arena. I would’ve loved to have seen Rosalia at Coachella 2019.

When and where do you wear your Docs most?

I wear my Docs when I need to get stuff done - at festivals, when we’re flying between cities and walking around in new places.

How would you describe your style and how would your parents describe your style?

I describe my style as androgynous and fluid. My parents would probably describe it as quintessentially ‘tom-boyish’.

How do you style your Docs?

I usually wear them with black cargo pants or cropped trousers. They complement my all black outfits perfectly.

If you could play a gig with anyone dead or alive who would it be?

I would love to play a show with Billie Eilish - we’d just be bouncing around having the best time

Favourite venue?

Paradiso in Amsterdam.

What does Dr. Martens mean to you?

It means passion, hard work and not being afraid to get your hands dirty.

Last art exhibition you saw?

Probably an exhibition on Kandinsky and post-war expressionism in Dublin.

What’s the most rebellious thing you’ve ever done?

Putting my feelings on paper and letting strangers judge them.

What does self-expression mean to you?

It means acting on your personal sense of purpose. Pure self-expression is the most important thing to me on this earth.

If you could have started any band, which would it be and why?

Kraftwerk because it was so odd and pioneering in terms of synthesis and what music is.

Favourite artist/designer?

Salvador Dali.

What motivated you more to be where you are now: the people who said ‘you can’t do this’ or the people who said ‘you can’?

The people who said I couldn’t undoubtedly.

Can you remember the first performer you saw wearing Docs on stage?

Probably Sid Vicious.

What Docs are on your wishlist right now?

The black Vintage 1461s.

Did you have a plan B?

Becoming a journalist or maybe a therapist.

What advice would you give to young people trying to get where you are?

Never stop - don’t think about doing things, do them — the good things will come.